The night of December 21st is traditionally the longest night of the year. Most of us already know that. But on top of that, many homeless people will be sleeping that night outside. Some by choice, some because shelters are beyond capacity and there isn't enough room. Some because they are new to homelessness and have no idea what other resources there are.
Exposure to the cold is the number one killer of homeless people. Again, sometimes alcohol is involved, sometimes not. But either way, they die because they are in the elements. So on December 21st, cities across the world hold ceremonies to remember those who died on the streets.
Calgary has no such official ceremony.
So, in lieu of that, some friends of mine will meet at the James Short Park and hold candlelight vigil and share stories of people we knew who passed away. All are welcome to join us.
During the six years I spent on the streets, I lost five friends, who either died in the shelter, or died shortly after escaping the shelter system and passed away of afflictions they may have received in the shelter. Theo, Sherry, Kevin, Terry, and Heather (Last names withheld to protect their privacy). Of course, there were many others, but those were the ones I knew closely. The ones that really touched me. Every year, I take some time out during the day to remember them. And this year, it will be more than me.
Even if you haven't been affected by someone who died on the streets, please come and join us and honour those who - to coroners and counters are a statistic. Because to me, these people - all homeless persons - are so much more than that.
For more information on Longest Night of the Year visit http://longestnightcalgary.blogspot.ca/p/home.html
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